Byline: IDNN Sports Desk
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are now at full strength after all 23 invited players joined camp in Uyo ahead of back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.
After camp opened with three arrivals on Monday, the squad grew steadily, reaching 15 players by Tuesday. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali checked in late Tuesday night, with Ademola Lookman and Cyriel Dessers arriving soon after. The group was completed on Wednesday as Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, and Victor Osimhen reported for duty.
The full squad took part in their second training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Wednesday evening, as coach Eric Chelle worked to sharpen tactical play ahead of Saturday’s crunch tie with Rwanda.
Nigeria are under mounting pressure, having managed just one win in their last six matches. They sit fourth in Group C with seven points — six adrift of leaders South Africa (13 points), who face a possible points deduction after fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
Rwanda, Nigeria’s next opponent, are second with eight points, level with Benin Republic. Lesotho follow with six points, while Zimbabwe are bottom with four.
For the Eagles, nothing less than victory will do. They host Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday before flying to Bloemfontein for a pivotal clash with the Bafana Bafana on Tuesday. Their final group games, in October, pit them against Lesotho away and Benin Republic at home.
“The team is now complete. The focus is total. We know the task ahead,” a team source told IDNN after Wednesday’s session.
Analysts say Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could hinge on these September fixtures. Dropped points could leave qualification hanging on permutations beyond their control.
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